The tight-knit community of North Apollo, Pennsylvania, is mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of Gillian Starr Tones, a vibrant young woman known for her compassion and zest for life. At just 26 years old, Gillian’s life was cut short while she was hiking at Glacier National Park in Missoula, Montana. Her untimely passing on June 23, 2024, has left her family, friends, and community in profound grief.
Born on July 4, 1997, in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, Gillian was the beloved daughter of Michael “Mike” Tones and Krystal (Davis) Tones. From an early age, Gillian exhibited a natural inclination toward helping others, a trait that would define both her personal and professional life. Her infectious smile and caring nature were evident to all who knew her, and she quickly became a cherished member of her community.
A 2015 graduate of Apollo-Ridge High School, Gillian was known for her academic dedication and involvement in various school activities. Her passion for learning and caring for others led her to pursue a career in nursing. She completed the Nursing Program at Westmoreland Community College, where she excelled and found her calling in the healthcare field. Gillian worked as a traveling nurse, a role that allowed her to combine her love for adventure with her commitment to providing compassionate care to those in need.
Gillian’s dedication to her profession was matched by her commitment to her faith and community. She was an active member of the Apollo Free Methodist Church, where her faith and service were evident in her participation in church activities and outreach programs. Her love for hiking, traveling, and being in nature was well-known among her friends and family. She often found solace and joy in exploring the great outdoors, appreciating the beauty of God’s creation through her adventures.
Her deep appreciation for music, especially old country and folk songs, reflected her soulful spirit and brought her great comfort and joy. Gillian’s vibrant personality and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her compassionate nature and dedication to helping others were evident in both her personal and professional life. Whether she was caring for patients, spending time with loved ones, or exploring new trails, Gillian’s presence was a source of light and joy.
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Frank and Dorothy Tones, and her maternal grandfather, Reverend Daniel Davis. Gillian is survived by her parents, Mike and Krystal; her brother, Dillon (Sarah) Tones of Bethel Park; her sisters, Emily and Makayla Tones, both of North Apollo; her boyfriend, Dominic DiBernardo of North Apollo; her maternal grandmother, Louise Davis of Spring Church; her beloved cats, Sloan and Whitney; and her pet ball python, Nala. The love and support of her family and friends were constants in her life, and her memory will continue to be cherished by those who knew her.
Tributes and condolences have poured in from those who were touched by Gillian’s warmth and kindness. Friends and family recall her as someone who always put others first, with a smile that could light up a room and a heart full of compassion. Her colleagues in the nursing field remember her as a dedicated professional who brought comfort and care to her patients, treating each one with the utmost respect and kindness.
A viewing and service will be announced at a later date, allowing those who loved Gillian to gather and celebrate her remarkable life. In this time of sorrow, the community is coming together to support the Tones family, honoring Gillian’s memory and the impact she had on so many lives. The sense of loss is palpable, but so too is the gratitude for having known someone as special as Gillian.
In the wake of her passing, A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the Tones family with funeral expenses and to create a memorial fund in Gillian’s honor. This fund will support causes that were close to her heart, including environmental conservation, animal rescue, and healthcare initiatives. The community’s generosity and support during this difficult time have been overwhelming, providing comfort and solace to Gillian’s family. The outpouring of love and support is a testament to the impact she had on those around her.
Gillian’s legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her joyful spirit, dedication to helping others, and love for life will be remembered and celebrated by her family, friends, and community. As they navigate this profound loss, the Tones family finds strength in the outpouring of love and support from those who were touched by Gillian’s life.
Stories and memories of Gillian’s adventurous spirit and caring nature continue to be shared, painting a picture of a young woman who lived life to the fullest and left an indelible mark on those around her. Friends recount her love for spontaneous road trips, her infectious laughter during late-night campfire songs, and her unwavering support during difficult times. These stories serve as a reminder of the vibrant life Gillian led and the many ways she touched the lives of those she encountered.
As we remember Gillian, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on our lives. Her legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the lessons she taught us. We will honor her memory by living out the values she embodied: compassion, kindness, and a love for life. Gillian’s passing is a reminder of the fragility of life, but also of the lasting impact one person can have through love and kindness.
In this time of mourning, we find solace in the knowledge that Gillian is now at peace, free from pain and suffering, and in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith and compassion will continue to inspire us all as we navigate this difficult time. We ask for your prayers for her family and our community as we come together to remember and honor Gillian’s life and legacy.
The loss of Gillian Starr Tones is a profound one, and our hearts go out to her family and our community. We are all feeling the weight of this tragedy, but we find comfort in the knowledge that she is now at peace, free from pain and suffering, and in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith and compassion will continue to inspire us all as we navigate this difficult time.
As we reflect on Gillian’s life, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on our lives. Her teachings, her compassion, and her unwavering support have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the lessons she taught us. We will honor her memory by living out the teachings she so passionately shared and by continuing to support one another in faith and compassion.
In this time of mourning, we find solace in the knowledge that Gillian is now at peace, free from pain and suffering, and in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith and compassion will continue to inspire us all as we navigate this difficult time. We ask for your prayers for her family and our community as we come together to remember and honor Gillian’s life and legacy.
The loss of Gillian Starr Tones is a profound one, and our hearts go out to her family and our community. We are all feeling the weight of this tragedy, but we find comfort in the knowledge that she is now at peace, free from pain and suffering, and in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith and compassion will continue to inspire us all as we navigate this difficult time.
As we remember Gillian, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on our lives. Her teachings, her compassion, and her unwavering support have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the lessons she taught us. We will honor her memory by living out the teachings she so passionately shared and by continuing to support one another in faith and compassion.
In this time of mourning, we find solace in the knowledge that Gillian is now at peace, free from pain and suffering, and in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith and compassion will continue to inspire us all as we navigate this difficult time. We ask for your prayers for her family and our community as we come together to remember and honor Gillian’s life and legacy.
The loss of Gillian Starr Tones is a profound one, and our hearts go out to her family and our community. We are all feeling the weight of this tragedy, but we find comfort in the knowledge that she is now at peace, free from pain and suffering, and in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of faith and compassion will continue to inspire us all as we navigate this difficult time.